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After a global summer spent supporting Metallica on their record-breaking stadium run and dominating the European festival circuit, the Swedish kings of theatrical metal are reclaiming their own stage. Avatar have officially announced the “Don’t Go In The Forest ’26” tour—a massive headlining trek across Europe and the U.K. set for this November and December. Joined by rising Danish death metal outfit Neckbreakker, the tour marks the final chapter of a monumental year that has seen the band ascend to the absolute top of the heavy metal hierarchy.
“Better Than Ever”: The Winter of Avatar
Lead singer Johannes Eckerström, the charismatic mastermind behind the band’s clown-faced persona, is promising a show specifically designed to combat the “cold, wet, and dark” reality of European winters.
“We all know what it’s like, and we know exactly what you’ll need,” Eckerström said in an official statement. “This time around, we will do everything within our power to make you feel lucky to participate. We live by but one ethos: Better than ever.”
The tour follows the overwhelming success of their tenth studio album, Don’t Go In The Forest, which was released last October via Black Waltz Records. Produced by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Steel Panther), the record further solidified the band’s uncanny ability to blend melodic death metal with groove, hard rock, and avant-garde theater.
Check It Out – Avatar’s Johannes Eckerström Dives Deep Into ‘Don’t Go in the Forest’ on The Loaded Radio Podcast

A Legacy of Stability and Chart-Topping Power
Avatar remains one of the most consistent units in metal. Formed in 2001, the lineup of Eckerström, guitarists Jonas Jarlsby and Tim Öhrström, bassist Henrik Sandelin, and drummer John Alfredsson has remained nearly unchanged for over a decade.
This stability has translated into major commercial success. Their previous effort, Dance Devil Dance, featured the hit single “The Dirt I’m Buried In,” which topped Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. With Don’t Go In The Forest, the band has doubled down on their signature “freakshow” aesthetic, pushing their theatrical production to its most ambitious limits yet.
Ticket Information and Tour Routing
Tickets for the headlining run go on sale Tuesday, May 26, at 10:00 a.m. local time with tickets available at this location. Given the band’s current momentum after the Metallica tour, fans are encouraged to act quickly, as many of these mid-sized theater venues are expected to sell out immediately.
Also Recommended – [WATCH] “This Album Is Why I Stopped Cutting My Hair”: Avatar’s Johannes Eckerström Reveals His 3 Most Important Records
Avatar ‘Don’t Go In The Forest ’26’ Tour Dates:
- Nov. 20 – Wolverhampton, England – KK’s Steelmill
- Nov. 21 – Southampton, England – O2 Guildhall
- Nov. 22 – Cardiff, Wales – Depot
- Nov. 24 – Dublin, Ireland – National Stadium
- Nov. 25 – Belfast, N. Ireland – Limelight
- Nov. 27 – Norwich, England – UEA
- Nov. 28 – Newcastle, England – Northumbria Uni
- Nov. 29 – Edinburgh, Scotland – Corn Exchange
- Dec. 01 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Gashouder
- Dec. 03 – Oberhausen, Germany – Turbinenhalle
- Dec. 05 – Budapest, Hungary – Barba Negra Red
- Dec. 06 – Prague, Czechia – Sasazu
- Dec. 08 – Innsbruck, Austria – Musichall
- Dec. 09 – Linz, Austria – Posthof
- Dec. 10 – Ulm, Germany – Roxy
- Dec. 11 – Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg – Rockhal
- Dec. 12 – Zürich, Switzerland – Komplex
- Dec. 13 – Frankfurt, Germany – Zoom
- Dec. 15 – Padova, Italy – Hall
- Dec. 16 – Ljubljana, Slovenia – Cvetlicarna
- Dec. 17 – Zagreb, Croatia – Boogaloo
- Dec. 18 – Bratislava, Slovakia – Majestic Music Club
- Dec. 19 – Wrocław, Poland – A2

FAQ: Avatar ‘Don’t Go In The Forest’ Tour
When do tickets go on sale? Tickets for all November and December 2026 dates go on sale on May 26, 2026, at 10 a.m. local time.
Who is supporting Avatar on this tour? Danish death metal band Neckbreakker has been confirmed as the sole support act for the entire European leg.
What is the band’s latest album? Avatar’s tenth studio album, Don’t Go In The Forest, was released in October 2025 and serves as the primary inspiration for this tour’s production and setlist.
STAY LOUD: Catch the full breakdown of Avatar’s touring schedule and our review of ‘Don’t Go In The Forest’ on the Loaded Radio Daily Podcast with Scott Penfold. Visit LoadedRadio.com or download our free app now.
TL;DR:
Swedish metal titans Avatar have announced a 23-date European headlining tour for late 2026. The trek follows their massive summer run with Metallica and supports their latest album ‘Don’t Go In The Forest.’ Tickets go on sale May 26.
Will Avatar’s theatrical production be too big for these theater stages after playing stadiums with Metallica, or is the intimate “freakshow” exactly what the fans need? Let us know in the comments.
The post Welcome to the Freakshow: Avatar Announce Massive ‘Don’t Go In The Forest’ 2026 European Headline Tour appeared first on Loaded Radio.